Are you the type of person that makes a list before you start your day?  Chances are, if you’re the parent of a child performer (or two or three child performers), you can’t live without checklists.  Well, good news: ChildrenInFilm.com has a list to top all child-performer lists.  Seriously, don’t leave home without checking it twice. With a background in providing studio teachers, work permit services, and an abundance of information, resources and connections to industry pros, Children In Film knows what it takes to be prepared for any meeting.  This goes for interviews with potential agents or managers, auditions, and any other industry-related events:

CIF’s  “Be Prepared” Checklist:

Entertainment Work Permit

…if applicable. In California, this is required.  Other states also require work permits and you can find specific information for your state on ChildrenInFilm.com in the Rules & Laws section.  Even if you’re not yet working, or represented, having a valid work permit will put you a step ahead of your competition.

Coogan Blocked Trust Account …

…or other blocked trust account when applicable in states outside of California. “Coogan” refers specifically to California accounts; however, other states may require them. It is generally a good idea to have your account in place before your child’s first job.  To show that you have a blocked trust account, you can keep a copy of your trustees’ statement.

Extra Photos/Resumes…

Make sure the photos are up-to-date as kids’ looks change quickly.  Even the newest performers can find simple things like school plays and community performances to put on their resume.

Directions & Parking Money…

If you’re late to the meeting, “we’re not from around here,” is not going to fly with industry professionals.  Keep a GPS, a Thomas Guide or Map and/or any other kinds of directional information you will require.  Before the meeting, inquire about parking and bring extra change for parking meters.  Make sure you know what building and what room you are reporting to.  If you’re worried you’ll be late, arrive early to the location, but don’t go in to the office until close to the meeting time.

Special Tip For PerformerTrack Members Before any Audition or Meeting use PerformerTrack's built-in Directions. Click on the Map It! Link for: Total Distance... this is most likely a tax-deductible expense! Step-by-Step Driving Directions GPS Coordinates Road, Aerial and Bird's Eye views so that you can easily spot cross-streets and landmarks to help in finding the location! After the appointment be sure to go back and toggle the Parking Situation so you'll know in the future if you need money for the Garage, Meter, Lot, etc. and log that Expense in PerformerTrack too!

 

Passport, Birth certificate, Social Security Card & Your Agent/Manager’s Contact Information.…

Keeping a small folder of this information is always a good idea, and maintaining a “travel copy” for your vehicle is smart too!

School Books, Assignments, Extra Workbooks & Brain-Game Activities...…

…as well as a change of clothes and snacks are always good items to keep in your “to go” bag. You do not need to bring extra clothes/assignments in to auditions and interviews, but these items are necessary once your child is working on set. Plus, if you have a “to go” bag kept in your vehicle, it can never hurt to have such items on hand!

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ABOUT CHILDREN IN FILM

ChildrenInFilm.com, a social networking site dedicated to the positive employment of minors in entertainment, has multiple resources for parents of child actors.  Additionally, they teach parents exactly what the casting process is and how to figure out where they stand within the casting process.

Children In Film members can also participate in KidStart, a ten-step program designed to walk parents though the process of launching their child’s career.  In addition to learning what you need to do, you will also gain access to a valuable list of who you need to know.  Children In Film’s Membership Directory is filled with rated agents, managers, casting directors, photographers, teachers and more, all of whom can be contacted right through the site.

With Children In Film you can learn what you need to know, and then contact the people you need to know in order to get you to where you want to be.